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Apple has suddenly removed AppGratis, a popular app discovery application that promotes paid apps by offering one for free every day, from the App Store without any explanation or comment, as pointed out by AllThingsD. It is however said that Apple pulled the app for violation of one or more of App Store Review Guideline clauses.

According to the source, Apple has confirmed that the app was banished from the App Store for violating clause 2.25 which says that Apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected. Furthermore, the app also violated clause 5.6 which says that Apps cannot use Push Notifications to send advertising, promotions, or direct marketing of any kind.

“Sources close to the company say it was more than a little troubled that AppGratis was pushing a business model that appeared to favor developers with the financial means to pay for exposure. “The App Store is intended as a meritocracy,” a source familiar with Apple’s thinking told AllThingsD.

In other words, app discovery platforms are fine as long as they’re not built on paid recommendations”.

The report says that Apple is looking at other similar apps, who could face the same consequences as well.